Gonzalez says he can claim title in Burns’ backyard

JOSE Gonzalez, the undefeated 29-year-old Puerto Rican charged with trying to end Ricky Burns’ reign as WBO lightweight champion, says that he has no qualms about facing the Coatbridge boxer in his own backyard.

Indeed, Gonzalez, who has a formidable record of 17 stoppages from 22 contests, believes he is capable of securing a points win at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on 11 May.

Gonzalez said: “I am willing to go to the trenches to rip the title from 
Burns’ grasp.

“I have been able to get a lot of knockouts through my power, but I have to box as well as Burns from the first bell until the last.

“I know that it will be very hard to win on points in Scotland, but I will be victorious.

“Burns likes to take the initiative, so I have to fight like him and if he throws lots of punches, I’ll do the same, because I’m going to work to show the judges that I can win the fight round by round. But if I hurt Ricky I will finish him off.

“I’m relaxed and focused and I don’t think I have to change anything, just the fight plan, but that’s work for my team.”

Gonzalez added: “Burns will be fighting at home, but in the ring it will only be him and me and I feel very happy to be contesting the world title, because it’s the dream of all boxers to be a world champion.”